Wales centre Ellen Evans shows her delight after scoring against Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales Women complete Italian job

10 March 2012, 07:59 pm ::

Match Report By Graeme Gillespie

Wales Women ensured a Welsh hat-trick of victories over Italy this weekend with a convincing 30-13 triumph at the Millennium Stadium.

The win followed the Under 20s last gasp win at Eirias last evening and the men's 24-3 win earlier in the day in a sun drenched Cardiff.

The win was a welcome relief to Wales who suffered a record defeat to Ireland last weekend in Ashbourne.

Wales Women led 18-6 at the break with tries by Elen Evans and Clare Flowers putting Rhian Bowden's side in the ascendancy. Immediately after the break centre Naomi Thomas touched down to put Wales firmly in control at 25-6.

Thomas, who had an influential game in her new position after switching from fly half, scored Wales's fourth try after plucking a neat inside flick by winger Caryl James out of thin air.

Italy flanker Michaela Esta burrowed over in the 65th minute for the visitors but the Azzurri were unable to penetrate the Welsh defence thereafter.

The remaining points for Wales came via the boot of scrum half Laura Prosser who banged over two conversions and two penalties.

Evans, making her first start of the championship after recovering from a dislocated elbow, brought stability to the midfield and her partnership with Thomas proved a constant threat to the Italians.

Italy's heavier pack made a few early inroads but they were visibly wilting as the match progressed. The wide open expanse of the Millennium Stadium pitch suited Wales's game with both wingers Caryl James and Philippa Tuttiett looking dangerous every time they got the ball.

A delighted Bowden said: "The girls were determined to bounce back after last week's disappointing showing. We showed today what we can do. The backs scored three of the four tries and looked dangerous on a number of occasions.

"We had to soak up a lot of pressure early on but we expected them to come at us. Hopefully we can now use this as a springboard for next week's game against France at Pandy Park."